Device for producing negatively charged nanoparticles and a method for the same

ABSTRACT

A device and method are provided for producing negatively charged nanoparticles. The device comprises a power supply, an electron supermicroemitter and a controller, the power supply connects with the electron supermicroemitter and the controller respectively. The potential of the electron supermicroemitter to the ground is controlled in the range of −2 kV to −29 kV by the power supply and the controller in accordance with the shape, size and different application of the materials of the emitter, so as to form field electron emitting of tunneling effect. The energy of electrons with high current density produced by the emitter can be adjusted during the electrons&#39; colliding with particles in aerosol such that the electrons are attached to the nanoparticles of different size with wider energy band to form negatively charged nanoparticles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This Application is a National Phase of International Application No.PCT/CN02/00328, filed on May 13, 2002, which claims priority from P.R.China Patent Application No. 01120188.6, filed on Jul. 11, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method for producingnanoparticles, specifically to a device and method for producing novelnegatively charged nanoparticles by combining two particles and electriccharges in bioclimatology and physics, which are unrelated with eachother, to be used in fields of medicine, home appliance, asepticengineering, freshness preservation engineering, bioengineering, and thelike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In bioclimatology, the state of air environmental condition is called byscientific workers as the aerosol state. Molecule cluster, liquid andsolid particles dispersed in air as aerosols are mostly nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles exhibit small-scale effect, surface and interfacial effectand quantum-scale effect, and have large specific surface area and bignumber of atoms on the surface. Surface effect and interfacial effectare intensified with decreasing particle size. The big specific surfacearea and the big number of atoms on the surface increase the activity ofthe nanoparticle greatly. Due to the small-scale effect and surfaceeffect, nanoparticles of different size also cause variation of surfaceelectron spin conformation and electron energy spectra distribution.Quantum-scale effect of nanoparticles results in discrete energy level.The interval between energy levels changes with the changes of thenanoparticle sizes. Nanoparticles in aerosol are composed of differentparticles with different sizes. Because of the above-mentionedproperties, nanoparticles greatly enhanced the ability to combine withelectrons of different energy levels to form a very wide energy band ofelectron affinity.

The problem is what kind of electron-emitting electrode can be used toachieve a strong enough electric field with narrowing potential barrieron the electrode surface. Due to the tunnel effect in quantum mechanics,electrons will penetrate and escape from the tunnel as field electronemission. How to increase the emission current density is a problemunder research.

In the 1960s, electrically charged aerosol centers were established inTexas and other states in the US. By ejecting pressurized gas theatomized physiological saline and electrons were emitted at the sametime in the same direction at an electric potential of 26 kV-60 kV on anejector to form electrically charged aerosol. Such aerosol was used tocure respiratory disease. It was effective in curing bronchitis andasthma, infection of the upper respiratory tract, emphysema, laryngitis,and pharyngitis. Besides the ejector, auxiliary equipments of gas pump,and liquid transport system were required. Atomized saline particleswere mostly not nanoparticles. Even under the action of 26 kV-60 kVelectric field, electrically charged aerosol could only travel adistance of about 1.8 m and disappeared beyond that distance. Suchelectrically charged aerosol was not able to directly participate in theelectric metabolism at the tissue-cell-molecule level, so the biologicaleffect and sterilizing effect were less promising.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to adopt an electronsupermicroemitter at a micron-level or sub micron-level to provide veryhigh emitter current density. When the electrode surface has a strongenough electric field, the potential barrier of electrode will narrowand electrons on the electrode will penetrate and escape from the tunnelbecause of tunnel effect in quantum mechanics to form field emissionelectrons, which can provide a very high emission current density.

The present invention is to combine the physical characteristics ofnanoparticles and the tunnel effect in quantum mechanics. When theelectrons ‘e’ emitted by the electron emitting electrode collide withthe particles in aerosol, the electrons can adjust the energy and adhereto the nanoparticles ‘Nm’ with a broad energy band of electron affinityto form new negatively charged nanoparticles‘N⁻m’, that is to realize:e+Nm→N⁻m.

Generally, there exist a few particles with different electric chargesin air. Particles with and without electric charge can attract with eachother and coalesce, resulting in combination of opposite charges andfall-off in large particles with the electric charge disappearing uponcontact with ground. The negatively charged nanoparticles produced bythe present invention appear in a large amount in a certain scope withsame electric charges repelling each other. Scientists of bioclimatologyand physics all think that such state of system is more stable.

Such novel particles produced by using the physical characteristics andtunnel effect in quantum mechanics of nanoparticles inevitably leads toexclusively negatively charged nanoparticles without the presence of anyother compounds or impurities.

The device for producing negatively charged nanoparticles of the presentinvention comprises a power supply, a casing, a controller and anelectrode with only one potential, that is, an electronsupermicroemitter, wherein, the power supply connects with the electronsupermicroemitter and the controller respectively, and the potential ofthe electron supermicroemitter to the ground is controlled in the rangeof −2 kV to −29 kV.

The said electron supermicroemitters are those with an electrode of anemitting body having a dimension at a micron level or sub-micron level.The material for preparing the said electron supermicroemitter of thepresent invention is platinum, gold, rhenium, iridium, tungsten orcarbon fiber or their combination, or alloys with platinum, gold,rhenium, iridium and/or tungsten as the main components. The shape ofthe electrode could be any one or combination of the shapes selectedfrom the group consisting of disk, cylinder, saw teeth, needle,sharp-ended, sphere, spheroid, arc, ring, bar, etc. The electronsupermicroemitter could be a single electrode or multiple electrodes.The dimension of the electron supermicroemitter is ≦100 micron.

The method for producing negatively charged nanoparticles according tothe present invention is as follows. The negatively chargednanoparticles producing device constructed by connecting the powersupply with the electron supermicroemitter and the controllerrespectively is used. The potential of the nanoparticles in air and theelectron supermicroemitter to the ground, under the action of the powersupply and the controller, are controlled in the range of −2 kV to −29kV. Electrons emitted by tunnel effect combines with the nanoparticlesto produce new negatively charged nanoparticles. The electric potentialrange is determined by the material, shape, and dimension of theelectrode and the different application equipment as used.

Field emission by tunnel effect generates electrons ‘e’ of high electriccurrent density, which upon colliding with particles in aerosol, canadjust the energy (for example, electrons of high energy can lose itsenergy or reduce its energy on collision) and adhere on nanoparticles‘Nm’ of different sizes with a broad energy band (The nanoparticles inair consist of various molecule clusters—either in the solid state,liquid state or gaseous state—and nanoparticles of different sizes(10⁻⁷−10⁻⁹ m).). The reaction is as follows:e+Nm→N ⁻ m

Negatively charged nanoparticles are thereby produced. Under the actionof electric field at any potential in the range of −2 kV to −29 kV,these particles can rapidly diffuse outward to cover a certain area.

The said electron supermicroemitter can be made according to one of thefollowing methods:

a) Platinum, gold, or carbon fiber filament is fixed on a glass carriageby a soldering method. The leading-out end is made by bonding platinum,gold, or carbon fiber to copper wire with conducting glue (such as aconducting glue made of silver powder and epoxy resin). Platinum wirecan be connected to the conductor with indium melted at a lowtemperature.

b) Platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, iridium or carbon fiber filamentis bonded and sealed in a carriage made of insulators made of quartz,glass, PE, PTFE (plastics), polyester fiber, silicon nitride, alumina(porcelain) with epoxy resin adhesive. The leading-out end is made bybonding platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, iridium or carbon fiberfilament to copper wire with conducting glue (such as a conducting gluemade of silver powder and epoxy resin). Fixation of the leading-end andthe conductor can follow the same procedures as mentioned in method “a”.

c) Platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, iridium or carbon fiber filamentis arranged on the surface of an insulator in such shapes as bar, ring,arc, etc. It is then fixed and bonded with adhesive, such as epoxyresin. Fixation of the insulator, the leading-out end and the conductorcan follow the same procedures as mentioned in methods “a” and “b”.

d) Rhenium, tungsten or its corresponding alloy are made into electrodesof various shapes by electrolytic corrosion, such as the sharp-endedshape, needle shape, saw teeth shape, etc. In regard to the electrolyticcorrosion, it has been taught in various common textbooks orliteratures. The electrode made hereby is fixed on an insulator carriagewith epoxy resin or riveted on an insulator carriage. According to themethod of fixation, the insulator can be quartz, glass, PE, PTFE(plastics), silicon nitride, alumina (porcelain), polyester compositeplate, etc. The leading-out end can be bonded to the conductor withconducting glue, or the leading-out wire and the electrode can be fixedon an insulator at the same time by mechanical means. The connection isillustrated by the following two examples. There are options for fixingand leading-out of the saw-teeth shaped electrode. One is the use of anepoxy resin and conducting glue. Saw teeth electrode is bonded with anepoxy resin to the insulator located underneath with one side ofelectrode connected to leading-out wire with conducting glue. The otheris mechanical means. According to the mechanical means, saw teethelectrode is fastened with rivets on an insulator by clamps on bothsides and the leading-out wire is riveted with a clamp on one side ofthe electrode.

The sharp-ended and needle electrode can also use the above optionsexcept for some specific structure. For example, fixing clamp is notrequired for the needle electrode. A pin sleeve or rivet sleeve is usedto fasten the electrode and lead wire directly on the insulator.

e) Photoetching can be used to make electron supermicroemitter.According to this method, a uniform metallic film is coated on aninsulator plate by spraying or sputtering. The metal film can be made ofplatinum, gold, iridium, etc. A photosensitive polymer film of polyimideis coated on the metallic film, and photoetching is carried out to forman electrode with a required shape. The matrix material of the electrodecan be Si/SiO₂, quartz, glass, silicon nitride, etc. Leading-out wire ismade by bonding the electrode to copper wire with conducting glue.

The sizes of the negatively charged nanoparticles are smaller than thoseof red blood cells in blood and ordinary bacteria, and are a fraction ofthe latter or even much smaller. Such nanoparticles can enter human bodythrough respiration and skin mucous membrane into the lung and bloodcirculation and release electric charge. The equilibrium state ofelectric charges on cell wall can be improved to form bio-electricityhaving direct biological effect on physiological condition, tissue cellsand metabolism of human body.

Negatively charged nanoparticles in human body can directly participatein electro-metabolism at tissue-cell-molecule level, promoting transformof bio-electricity, adjusting electric potential equilibrium oforganism, and improving natural physiological condition and biochemicalenvironment of human body. The non-specific and broad-spectrum medicaleffect is achieved through the adjusting function of nerve-humor.

Negatively charged nanoparticles with apparent biological effect haveapparent conditioning opsonic function on neural system, cardiovascularsystem, respiratory system, urinary system and digestive system and havecurative effect on many diseases. Clinical application of the negativelycharged nanoparticles has caught wide attention.

Experimental studies demonstrate that, due to the quantum mechanicscharacteristics, the negatively charged nanoparticles can rapidly covera certain scope and strongly inhibit the growth of and eradicate suchharmful bacteria and viruses as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, syphilisspirochete, staphylococcus, bacillus coli, mycosis, Monilia, etc.

It is well known that research and application of bioelectricity havebeen developing continuously. Clinical application ofelectroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electrogastrogram(EGG) has saved the lives of countless people. Just like the clinicalapplication of physical medical diagnosis equipment, the computerizedtomography (CT), brightness type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, and positive electron tomographyhave opened a new era for the uninterrupted development of clinicaldiagnosis. Bioelectricity of negatively charged nanoparticles willcreate many new techniques and new equipment, especially in clinicaltreatment.

Therefore, bioelectricity of negatively charged nanoparticles can bewidely used in physical medical equipment, home appliance,bioengineering, freshness preservation engineering, aseptic engineeringand environmental condition improvements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the block diagram showing the principle of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is the schematic drawing of the leading-out for the saw teethelectrode bonded with epoxy resin and conducting glue.

FIG. 3 is the schematic drawing of the leading-out for the saw teethelectrode fastened with mechanical means.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the device of the present invention comprises basiccomponent parts of an electron supermicroemitter 1, a power supply 2, acasing 3, and a controller 4. Other parts can be added according to theusage and device, such as multi-functions carriage or turntable. Thepresent invention can also be combined with other device to form a newequipment with new functions, with its control device compatible withother parts of the control equipment.

According to the purpose of application and the function of product, theelectron supermicroemitter can be a single electrode, multipleelectrodes or a combination electrode. The device casing can be designedas one with totally different shape, function and configuration, as thepotential of the electron supermicroemitter to the ground is controlledin the range of −2 kV to −29 kV, depending on its structure, dimension,shape and material, and purpose of application.

As shown in FIG. 2, epoxy resin and conducting glue are used to fix andleading-out the electrode. Saw teeth electrode 8 is bonded underneath tothe insulator 6 by epoxy resin 7, and leading-out wire is made of aconductor 5 bonded to one end of the electrode 8 with conducting glue 9.

As shown in FIG. 3, mechanical means is used to fasten and leading-outthe electrode. Saw teeth electrode 8 is fastened with an insulator 6 bya clamp 10 and a rivet 11. Leading-out wire 5 is fastened with the clamp10 and the rivet 11.

1. A device for generating negatively charged nanoparticles, which iscomprised of a power supply, a casing, a controller and anelectron-emitter, the power supply is connected with theelectron-emitter and the controller respectively; characterized in thatthe electron-emitter is an electron supermicroemitter, dimensions of anemitting part of the electron supermicroemitter being smaller than orequal to a micron level; there is only one electrode with one potentialin the electron supermicroemitter; the electron supermicroemitter emitselectrons by means of tunneling effect, and the emitted electronscombine with the nanoparticles in air to form negatively chargednanoparticles; the potential of the electron supermicroemitter to theground is controlled in a range of −2 kV to −29 kV.
 2. The device asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that the electron supermicroemitteris comprised of a single or multiple electrodes, a shape of theelectrode is any one or combination of the shapes selected from thegroup consisting of disk, cylinder, saw teeth, needle, sharp-ended,sphere, spheroid, arc, ring, and bar.
 3. The device as claimed in claim1, characterized in that the electron supermicroemitter is made ofplatinum, gold, rhenium, iridium, tungsten or carbon fiber or theircombination or an alloy with platinum, gold, rhenium, iridium and/ortungsten as a main component.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that the electron supermicroemitter is made accordingto one of the following methods: a) platinum, gold, or carbon fiberfilament is fixed on a glass carriage by a soldering method, aleading-out end is made by bonding platinum, gold, or carbon fiberfilament to copper wire with conducting glue, platinum wire can also beconnected with copper wire by indium melted at a low temperature; b)platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, iridium or carbon fiber filament isbonded and sealed in a carriage made of insulators of quartz, glass, PE,PTFE, polyester fiber, silicon nitride, and/or alumina (porcelain) withepoxy resin adhesive, the leading-out end is made by bonding platinum,gold, rhenium, tungsten, iridium or carbon fiber to copper wire withconducting glue; c) platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, iridium or carbonfiber filament is arranged on the surface of an insulator made ofquartz, glass, PE, PTFE, polyester fiber, silicon nitride and/or aluminain a required shape, it is then fixed and bonded with adhesive,platinum, gold, rhenium, tungsten, iridium or carbon filament is bondedto copper wire with conducting glue as leading-out end; d) rhenium,tungsten or their corresponding alloy is made into electronsupermicroemitters of various shapes by electrolytic corrosion, the saidelectron supermicroemitter is fixed on an insulator carriage with epoxyresin or riveted on insulator carriage by mechanical means, theinsulator can be any one of quartz, glass, PE, PTFE, silicon nitride,alumina, polyester composite plate, the leading-out end can be bonded toconductor with conducting glue, or a lead conductor and electrode can befixed on insulator at the same time by mechanical means, such methodlikewise applies to a sharp-ended and needle electrode; or e)photoetching is utilized to make electron supermicroemitter: a uniformmetallic film is coated on an insulator plate by spraying or sputtering,the metallic film can be platinum, gold, iridium, a photosensitivepolymer film of polyimide is coated the metallic film and photoetchingis carried out to form electrode of a required shape, a matrix materialof the electrode can be any one of Si/SiO₂, quartz, glass, siliconnitride, leading-out wire is made by bonding electrode to copper wirewith conducting glue.